Costa Blanca Umpires & Markers Association 
CBUMA

The following must be read in conjunction with the Umpire's Duties as set out in Law 43 of the Laws of the Sport of Bowls.

 

The following notes were originally compiled by the English Bowling Association for guidance to umpires, and have been adopted by the E.B.U.A. and C.B.U.M.A.

 

A good umpire aims to control a game in an efficient but unobtrusive manner, without in any way attempting to impose himself on the players or game with an air of superior knowledge.

He may be compared with a first class football referee - the less attention he brings to himself in making decisions the better his performance.

An umpire must appear confident when called upon to give a decision and therefore must have a clear and concise knowledge of the Laws. Certain actions to be taken are enumerated below as examples.

When a player unwittingly contravenes a particular law it is much kinder, and probably more prudent, quietly to draw the attention of the Skip to the offence rather than spotlight the player and thereby attracting the attention of other players and spectators alike to the offence. 

It is an Umpires duty to adjudicate when called to do so, but equally he should see one of his important functions as being educative and instructive.  The game of bowls is for the enjoyment of players and spectators and not a means whereby the Umpire is trying to impress everyone with superior knowledge.

Probably the most important advice in the Laws of the Game booklet is contained in the introductory paragraph.

 

Actions you should consider:

 

Before the Game

 

1.         Introduce yourself to the organisers of the event you are umpiring or the Secretaries of each side when more than one team is competing.

2.         Ensure a complete measuring kit is available.

3.         Check the green and ditches to see that they comply.

4.         Ensure the green and divisions of the green are properly laid out (Law 49).

5.         Introduce yourself to the Captains of each side if such persons have been appointed.

6.         Ensure you are present when the draw for rinks is made.

7.         Check the bowls of all players before trial ends commence and if any bowls are changed after the trial ends check the replacements.

 

During the Game 

 

1.         Ensure the mat is properly placed at the commencement of each end (Law 6.1.1)

2.         Check for foot faulting (Laws 7 & 8)

3.         Ensure the jack is correctly delivered at each end. (Laws 9 & 10)

4.         Ensure correct action is taken in relation to "Touchers" (Laws 14, 15 & 16)

5.         Ensure correct action is taken in relation to marking a "live" jack in the ditch (Law 18)

6.         Ensure possession of the rink is adhered to (Law 13)

7.         Ensure the position of players not controlling the game is enforced (Law 12)

8.         Ensure correct action is taken in relation to measuring (Laws 22 & 23)

9.         If a game is drawn ensure correct action is taken before extra end or ends are played (Law 28)

10.       Pay particular attention to objects on the green and/or bank (Law 34)

 

At Conclusion of Game

 

1.         Collect all score cards, ensure they have been correctly made up and determine correct results and

            the time of the conclusion of the game is entered on the card.

2.         Hand cards to organiser of event, Secretary or Team Captain whichever is applicable.

3.         Submit a full report immediately to the C.B.U.M.A. President of any incident occurring during the game.

 

Updated Feb 2016